anybody shutdown during electrical storms?

[kwilcox]

Thanks for the info inetdog!

The Citel SPDs are primarily MOV devices. Citel specifies that they should be connected between hot and EGC, as close to the array as possible. They make a different device that's meant to be connected between Neutral and GEC. However, my array currently doesn't have a GEC; my contractor said that it wasn't required. I'll have to check if I can place that between Neutral and EGC instead. My inverters are also the internally grounded variant which Enphase first introduced on the M250 then retrofitted to the M215 as well.

[peakbagger]

I shut down all the time until I installed these SPDs:



The Citel DS52VG-120s also have a built-in spark gap/thermal fuse so they're pretty easy to install. Also, when I put up my array, I used a soladeck roof mounted junction box that had a DIN rail so that I could do SPDs:



Here they are installed:



Since I use micro inverters, the only side that needs protection is the AC side. I'm on the fence as to whether I should be protecting the neutral bus as well or not. The neutral side SPDs are extremely hard to locate and also need a GEC to stakes driven in close to the array itself. Neutral/ground side potential differences are usually caused by (very) close strikes and the risk level here in WI just isn't that high.

Still todo: install low voltage remote status LEDs. I'll wait till the attic cools off a bit in winter before I run that wire. You can see the connectors at the bottom of each surge protector. The Citel devices have a DPST switch that flips if the fuse blows.

I like that set up. I wish I had known of that style SPD. I used the same solardeck box and mounted a midnight solar SPD onto one of the conduit holes in the bottom through a 45 degree offset. My preference would have been to have one inside the box like you did as the external SPD could get tagged if I need to shovel off the roof.

[Sunking]

Nothing and I repeat nothing will save your equipment with a direct strike even if you actually knew how to connect the equipment up correctly, which most of you do not. Not many electricians even know how and where. Only thing it can do is minimize damage from a near by strike like a tree, pole, or fence line. If it hits a panel or your home all your equipment is toast and possible your home if wired incorrectly.

[kwilcox]

Concur Sunking. Nevertheless, there are ways to protect PV arrays in high lightning strike areas. Here's a good whitepaper that I've been using as my personal bible on the subject:

Protecting Electrical PV Systems from the Effects of Lightning

[kad153]

Assume I'm correct that, for those of us that have a pre-paid lease where there is a company monitoring and responsible for fixing anything that breaks, there is no reason at all to ever shut down the system. However, just in case, figured I'd post in case someone has thought of a reason I haven't.

[Sunking]

Assume I'm correct that, for those of us that have a pre-paid lease where there is a company monitoring and responsible for fixing anything that breaks, there is no reason at all to ever shut down the system. However, just in case, figured I'd post in case someone has thought of a reason I haven't.

Did you ever shut down before you had solar connected to the grid? Why would that change with Solar? Adding Solar does not increase your chances of being hit. And if you are really worried about it there are things that you can do that are far more effective then adding surge protections and in some case are less expensive or free. A simple flag pole that puts your home under the Cone of Protection is the most effective device known to man. A large tall tree on the north side does the same thing. The best lightning protection is to give lightning a target away from your home. Do that then the only protection required is at your AC service with a simple Meter Collar SPD installed by your POCO. There is no better TVSS than what the POCO uses